What are Your Favorite Ways of Being Thrifty or Frugal?

Question

For example, I make my own cleansers and laundry detergent, cook mostly from scratch, buy staple foods in bulk,etc.
Ideas to share?
Thanks.

Good answer, Dogz!
For most around the house cleaning, I use Baking Soda and vinegar. Vinegar kills anything nasty without poisoning my family.
My laundry detergent is something I tweaked over the past 5 years.
Buy a box of Borax (about 35-40 oz., in the laundry aisle)
16 oz box of baking soda
Mix in an old clean milk jug w/ 1t Essential oil. Shake before using.
Use 3 T. per load of laundry.
It works best in warm water, which I don't mind using, since I don't use a dryer.

Answer 1

I dont buy name brand products, except for a few that are exceptional. I like to learn how to fix things around the house myself instead of hiring someone-and i get the satisfaction too. Then public library is a great resource so i dont usually buy books, movies, or magazines as they are free at the library. Many items, fashion, luxuries are unnecessary and i always ask if myself if something is a "want" or a "need". I know that i dont have to posess an item to enjoy or appreciate it-even if i can afford it. I teach my children not to get sucked in by the media and make good choices using reason. Thus they desire less.

Answer 2

Please edit your question and add the link to the recipe for the detergents. That sounds interesting.

I buy TSP at Home Depot paint department and use it for some cleaning and laundry. It is low cost, but it does have phosphates, so if you are on sewer don't use it because it poisons the streams and lakes.

I've already bought a few Christmas gifts. They were 85% off. That was worth the storage space to me.

I keep some money in my budget so I can take advantage of sales and specials at the grocery.

Last week they had two name brands of laundry detergent for $2.50 for gallon size. I didn't need any right now, but went ahead and bought 2 with color safe bleach and 2 plain. Hopefully I'll see it on sale again before that is gone. My girls like chunky soup. When the store had it for a dollar a can I let them pick out a dozen cans each. I have a couple of dozen cans of ravioli that I bought for 25 cents a can in my cellar that the girls haven't found, yet. On special occasions I treat them with it. Two servings for a quarter per person. Most canned goods will keep for a year or more. Look at the dates and buy ahead. I have 4 jars of mayonaise buy one get one free.

I rarely buy prepared frozen foods because they are very high cost per serving. Before I buy them they have to be on a very good sale plus have a triple coupon week at the grocery. (I also buy ahead during triple coupon week.)

I also make caseroles. A quick one that we invented is a can of chunky sirloin burger soup @ $1 stirred into a package of maccaroni and cheese@ 33 cents. Stir in a can of drained green beans or mixed veggies @ 34 cents. Less than 20 minutes later it will feed three or four and costs me $1.67. If you want to stretch it add more vegetables.

We have a store named ALDI that sells only staples such as canned goods, dairy, some frozen foods, and bread. It is their own brands, but good quality. I think most canned veggies and soups are 34 cents-even the cream soups. But variety is limited to the hot sellers. They have a store locator on their web site, so look and see if there is one near you. They sell bags, but I bring my own canvas bags.

Answer 3

Generic

Answer 4

I have to admit- I'm one of the most wasteful people on the planet when I comes to food and tossing it out. I don't keep leftovers because I'm terrified of the smell it makes in the fridge. I know, it's ridiculous, but it's me. I had a baby four months ago, so I'm trying to be more conscious of how I spend and I'm trying not to be so wasteful. I don't really have any tips to share, but I'll tell you about this guy on tv- He was the THRIFTIEST person on the planet! He would buy 2 or 3 ply paper towel and T.P. and tear the layers apart to make 2 or 3 rolls! lol He would also wash out paper towels and hang them to dry! When eating out, he would grab massive handfuls of ketchup, and use them to fill his container at home! So funny. :}

Answer 5

It's all fine and interesting if and when you have time. I shop all over, sometimes check prices and then only buy what is needed not, wanted. We do treat and buy something stupid that makes life a little easier.

Answer 6

going to get my jewlery at garage sales or flea markets saves me money and they have cute jewlery